A Bottle for Every Barrelhead

This wheated bourbon delivers a long finish, with flavors like orange, vanilla, and toffee.

Photo: Courtesy of Old Rip Van Winkle

2.** Blanton's Original Single Barrel**

America's first single-barrel bourbon. It's full-bodied yet sweet and creamy. If you don't like this, you don't like whiskey.

Photo: Courtesy Blanton

3.** George Dickel No. 8**

A fuller Tennessee whiskey from the only distillery producing it besides Jack Daniel's.

Photo: Courtesy of George Dickel

4.** Old Grand-Dad 114**

Surprisingly smooth, given its potently high alcohol content. Carry it in a flask for cold nights.

Photo: Courtesy Old Grand-Dad

(RI)1

Simply put, the smoothest rye around. Try it in a Manhattan and wonder why you've been drinking them with bourbon instead.Photo: Courtesy of (RI)1

6.** Clear Creek Distillery McCarthy's Single Malt**

Proof of the diversity of American Whiskey: even though it's made in the shadow of Mt. Hood in Oregon, is reminiscent of an Islay-style Scotch.

Photo: Courtesy of Clear Creek Distillery

7.** Old Potrero Single Malt 18th Century Style Whiskey**

This 100% rye whiskey from the Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco is aged in toasted oak barrels as opposed to charred ones. It's rough but flavorful—best to cut it with a bit of water—very peppery, and the closest thing you can get these days to what George Washington probably drank.